This year’s Oakland County 4-H Fair has a definite local flair.
Several Brandon and Groveland Township residents are volunteering or have displays at the fair, which begins July 27 and lasts through Aug. 1 at the county 4-H Fairgrounds in Davisburg.
Rosemary Hotchkiss of Brandon Township first became involved with 4-H when she was a little girl. She later became a member of the Oakland County 4-H Board and is now a member of the Auxiliary Board.
She heads up the fair’s volunteer efforts, and will be working the hospitality tent at the fair. Her son, Loren Hotchkiss, is on the 4-H Board.
‘It’s a very family-oriented show,? she said. ‘It’s all about the kids. It’s a year-round program, and gives them a chance to showcase their talents.?
Hotchkiss said without the help of 4-H volunteers, the fair wouldn’t be successful.
‘Our fair is growing each year,? she said. ‘Everyone on the fair board is a volunteer, and dedicated to making it a
The fair has also been a family tradition for Rose McCabe of Groveland Township. For 10 years, she and daughter Kathleeen, 18, Anne, 16, and Molly, 14, have participated in the fair.
‘This year, we’ll be presenting calves, hogs, lambs, and rabbits,? she said. ‘We’ll also have exhibit projects in the exhibit hall.?
Fair patrons will also have plenty of free events to choose from. One of the most unique exhibits is the racing pigs, which are featured about five or six times per day.
The pigs, approximately 40 pounds each, are trained to race around a horseshoe-shaped track for an Oreo cookie.
‘You can just tell these pigs are having an absolute blast,? said Jackie Scramlin, Oakland County 4-H Fair public relations representative.
The pigs live in an air-conditioned trailer when not racing, said Scramlin. ‘They are in hog heaven.?
Another popular feature of the fair is the 4-H petting farm, which is a collaborative effort between different area farmers, including farmer Nick Nichols of Groveland Township.
‘Farmers help each other out,? said Nichols.
Animals include miniature horses, donkeys, sheep, ‘probably at least half? of Nichols? goats, baby chicks and ducks, turkeys, peacocks, and baby pigs.
‘We’re trying to stick with farm animals,? said Nichols.
Fair patrons will have a chance to be part of a parade throughout the fair, as a different-themed parade will be held each day.
The different parades are as follows:
‘Monday ? 5 p.m. ? Opening Day 4-H Club Parade – Line up in back parking lot.
‘Tuesday ? Scout & Club Parade, 12:30 p.m. – Line up @ Information Kiosk ? parking lot.
‘Wednesday ? Teddy Bear Parade, 12:30 p.m. ? Line up @ Information Kiosk ? parking lot.
‘Thursday – Hat parade, including ladies from the Red Hat Society, 12:30 p.m. ? Line up @ Information Kiosk ? parking lot.
‘Friday ? Red, White, & Blue Parade, 12:30 p.m. ? Line up @ Information Kiosk ? parking lot.
‘Saturday ? Pajama Parade, 12:30 p.m. ? Line up @ Information Kiosk ? parking lot.
‘Sunday – Doggie Parade/Dad & Me Parade, 12:30 p.m. ? Line up @ the Activities Pavilion. Parade ends @ Companion Animal Tent.
All parades are open to the public and participants are encouraged to dress in theme costume, decorate a pet, and/or decorate a bicycle. Tuesday through Sunday Parades will be awarded participation ribbons and 1st & 2nd place prizes.
Details: (248) 634-8830 or on the Web at www.oakfair.org.
Staff Writer Elizabeth Lowe contributed to this report.